Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister. Oluwaseun Faleye
A coalition of 37 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called for the immediate removal of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), as well as the Chairman of its Board, over allegations of staff intimidation, mass resignations and financial misconduct.
The coalition, operating under the banner of the Coalition of 37 Civil Society Organisations for Transparency, Accountability and Workers’ Rights, expressed concern over what it described as a worsening crisis within the agency, citing reports of growing staff departures allegedly linked to victimisation, poor welfare conditions and an unfriendly work environment.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the coalition said it was troubling that an institution established to safeguard the interests of Nigerian workers was now facing accusations of mistreating its own employees.
“We find it unacceptable that an institution established to protect Nigerian workers is now facing allegations that its own workers are being subjected to pressure, fear and administrative highhandedness,” the statement read.
According to the group, the reported wave of resignations by staff members suggests that deeper issues may exist within the organisation and require urgent government intervention.
“The reported exodus of staff is a clear indication that all is not well within the organisation and demands urgent intervention by the Federal Government,” the coalition stated.
The civil society groups also raised concerns over allegations currently circulating in the public domain regarding the management of the NSITF. These include claims of financial irregularities, the alleged operation of more than 100 bank accounts and a purported N297 billion scandal.
While acknowledging that the allegations remain unproven and subject to investigation, the coalition maintained that their seriousness warrants immediate scrutiny by relevant authorities.
“The Coalition is equally disturbed by several allegations currently in the public domain concerning the management of the NSITF, including reports of financial irregularities, the alleged operation of over one hundred bank accounts and allegations relating to a purported N297 billion scandal. While these allegations remain subject to investigation, their gravity requires immediate action by relevant authorities.”
The coalition outlined a number of demands, including the immediate removal of the NSITF Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, the removal of the Board Chairman, a comprehensive forensic audit of the agency and an independent investigation into the alleged intimidation and victimisation of staff.
The group also called on the Presidency to intervene and restore public confidence in the institution.
In addition, the coalition urged anti-corruption agencies and lawmakers to launch investigations into the allegations.
“We call on the EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau and the National Assembly to immediately investigate all allegations surrounding the management of the NSITF.”
The coalition further issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other relevant authorities to act on its demands.
“The Coalition hereby issues a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant authorities to remove the Managing Director and Chairman of the NSITF and commence a transparent investigation into the affairs of the organisation.”
It warned that failure to take action within the stipulated period would trigger a series of peaceful nationwide protests targeting the NSITF headquarters, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the National Assembly and other strategic government institutions.
“Failure to comply with these demands will leave the Coalition with no option but to commence a continuous and indefinite peaceful nationwide protest at the NSITF Headquarters, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, National Assembly and other strategic government institutions until the Managing Director and Chairman are removed from office and investigations commenced.”
The coalition concluded by stressing the need for accountability and transparency in institutions responsible for protecting workers’ rights.
“Nigerian workers deserve transparency, accountability and competent leadership. The time to act is now.”
The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Ibrahim Musa, National Coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Accountability and Good Governance (COCSAGG); Chief Emeka Nwankwo, Director of Public Affairs of the National Alliance for Transparency and Protection of Workers’ Rights (NATPWR); and Ambassador Taiwo Olaniyi, National Coordinator of the Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO).
